Salford Boxing Club is located in the Rec Centre, Broughton. The club was founded in 1971 and has since become a popular community venue for boxing and fitness enthusiasts.

It is a non-profit organisation made up of volunteers who promote the sport of boxing and provide a positive environment for young people in the community.

The club is run by head trainer Nick Burke, who is passionate about boxing and teaching young people in Salford transferable skills so they are able to achieve life goals and gain employment in whatever sector they choose, Nick is delighted with the funding from Salix Homes’ Springboard community grant programme.

He said:

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“It’s great that the funding will help us to continue to keep the doors open, we rely on volunteers to help us run the club, but heating, lighting and providing snacks or drinks cost money, but it’s also about who Salix Homes can reach on our behalf, to get more people involved in the club, to continue to do good work in the community is vital and we are very grateful for the funding from Salix Homes.”

Salford Boxing Club runs several community programs to engage and support the local community including:

The Youth Development Program: is designed to provide young people with a positive environment to learn boxing skills and develop self-confidence, discipline, and respect for others. The program is open to young people aged 10-18 and is run by experienced coaches who have a passion for youth development.

Anti-Bullying Program: aimed at providing support to children who have been bullied or are at risk of being bullied. The program teaches children how to build their confidence and develop self-esteem.

The club also offers fitness classes for all ages and abilities, including adults and children. These classes are designed to help individuals improve their fitness levels, lose weight, and improve their overall health and well-being.

Sue Wilkinson, Customer Engagement Manager at Salix Homes is delighted to support Salford Boxing Club, she said:

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“We are really pleased to provide Springboard funding to the club. Talking to the users of the club, it’s clear how important having somewhere to meet, exercise or just have a natter over a cuppa is. The club does incredible work and Salix Homes are proud to support them and we hope this funding will help them continue the work they do to provide such a brilliant facility in the community which makes a real difference to people’s health and well-being.”

Salford Boxing Club also engages in community outreach activities, such as charity fundraising events and community initiatives. These activities help to promote the positive impact of boxing and the club within the local community.

Salford City Boxing Club is committed to using the sport of boxing to support and engage with the local community, particularly young people. The club’s programs aim to provide a positive and inclusive environment where individuals can learn new skills, improve their health and well-being, and build positive relationships with others.

Photo ©: Salix Homes - Nicky Burke

Two teenage boys, aged 13 and 14, have been arrested on suspicion of affray following an incident on Worsley Road, Eccles at around 4.15pm on Monday 10 April 2023.

They remain in custody for police questioning.

It is believed that a fire extinguisher was sprayed at a cyclist.

Police are appealing for information or for witnesses who may have been in and around the area on Monday 10 April 2023.

Anyone with dashcam, doorbell, or CCTV footage is asked to share this with police directly. 

Superintendent Paul Coburn of GMP's Salford district said:

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"We are determined to clamp down on anti-social behaviour and I hope that these arrests reassure the community that their safety and wellbeing is our number one priority.

"If anyone has any information that they'd like to share with us, I urge them to get in touch."

 

Information can be shared by calling GMP on 101 citing CRI/06FF/0011129/23.

Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Photo ©: Google Images

I was delighted to read that my old friend Dan McLaughlin or Daniel J McLoughlin to give him his his full title will be appearing at this years Manchester Fringe Festival treading the boards at The Fitzgerald in the Northern Quarter of town.

He worked with me for a while at SalfordOnline when he was studying journalism at Salford University and has gone onto much bigger things and is an award winning Podcaster at Reach(The Out Crowd, The Northern Agenda, The Menopod) and a tutor at Salford University amongst other things, far too talented for my liking...

Dan has been performing at local venues throughout Salford and Manchester for the past 12 months or so with his, scathing, acerbic, hilarious, and it has to be said, at times foul mouthed poetry .c'mon we all like a bit of profanity with our poetry

The show, which is part-poetry, part-comedy, part-philosophy, and fully profanity laced, pokes fun at parts of McLaughlin's life, including his diagnosis as a manic depressive.   

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" Well, it's cheaper than paying for private counselling, and probably quicker than the NHS waiting list. As the old saying goes: a genius is a madman with an audience. I just need an audience, otherwise I am your run-of-the-mill madman."

His sexuality plays a big part in 'Rant in Iambic Pentameter'. the self-titled "part-time poof" jokes about his bisexuality, experiences of homophobia and hate crime, and lack of success on the dating apps. ("I'm bisexual - which means there are more people to turn me down") 

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"I appeared on the One Show at the start of the year, discussing my attack on Canal Street by a drunken homophobe. It was an important bit of film, but at the same time, it was a bit too worthy for my liking. 

I don't want to be preachy. I don't have a megaphone, or a placard, or a soapbox - I have a microphone and far too many swear words. The best way to deal with adversity is to take the utter piss out of it".

So is the world ready for an ex Salford student aiming to be the next John Cooper Clark wannabee?

Daniel J. McLaughlin: Rant in Iambic Pentameter’ will be performed at the Fitzgerald in Manchester’s Northern Quarter on July 3, 2023 at 7pm. Tickets are £7 (£5 concessions) and are available to buy now on the Greater Manchester Fringe website.

I leave the last word to Dan...

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"I definitely won't be appearing on the GCSE English curriculum anytime soon, but the show is a giggle. I hope to see you handsome buggers there!"

Bispham. Cadishead, London Calling.. can you spot the link? it's not that difficult really...

Next time you drive into Irlam have a peep at the fabulous artwork showing eminent local residents on the railway bridge into Irlam Railway Station, amongst them is the late, Ray Lowry not only a fine cartoonist, artist, author but the man responsible for the London Calling Calling album artwork by The Clash from 1979.

Sadly Ray passed away in October 2008 leaving behind him an astounding back catalogue of his work and I am delighted to say that his son, Sam has become the guardian of this and is keeping Ray's memory alive by setting up a website https://raylowry.com/ where you can purchase not only his original cartoons, oil paintings and a series of limited edition prints of astounding quality.

We visited Sam at his home in Bispham to talk about Ray, his upbringing and influences that Ray had on him growing up and how he he is keeping his name alive.

Police are appealing for information following a suspected firearms discharge at a property in Anaconda Drive, Salford, at around 10pm on Sunday 9 April, 2023.

Officers attended the scene and no injuries were reported.

Inspector Joanne Johnston of GMP’s Salford Division, said:

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“I would firstly like to reassure the local community that we believe this was a targeted attack and that there is no risk to the wider public.

“This is obviously a concerning incident, but our officers are working flat-out to establish the circumstances. Those in the area will see a visible police presence and the officers will be more than happy to listen to your concerns.”

"We would like to urge the public to come forward if they have any information that could assist our investigation, whether it be CCTV footage, doorbell footage, photos, or descriptions of the events, we would ask that you report it to us directly."

 

If you have any information or footage that could assist their investigation into this incident, please contact GMP Salford on 0161 856 5194 quoting log 3332 of 09/04/2023.

You can also report information via www.gmp.police.uk or through the independent charity Crimestoppers - anonymously – on 0800 555 111.

Photo ©: Google Images

A group of young adults from Salford, many of whom have experienced homelessness, is creating a magazine to inspire and help people on a tight budget to make sure they live in good homes.

For many of this group, their first home came after a period of homelessness. They have reflected on how the relief of having a secure tenancy becomes overridden by the trauma of the causes of homelessness crashing down on you. This makes the responsibility of having a good home feel more than overwhelming, but lonely too.

The group wants to change things. They want to replace feelings of fear and loneliness with excitement, inspiration and the knowledge that will give other people the confidence that they are getting it right.

The magazine will be both a practical and inspirational. It will begin with a guide to the system, answering how you actually get a home. It will continue to offer specialist advice about making sure your home is safe, secure and efficient, as well as a loving and happy space. It will finish with an inspiring and realistic source of ideas for making your home beautiful place that you want to share with others - but on a budget.

Despite still figuring it out themselves, the young adults are doing their bit to make a difference for anyone who goes through a similar situation to them. They are seeking the wisdom of people who have managed to create a good home for their families to use in the magazine. They have created a survey to help collect this knowledge.

You can fill out the survey here: https://forms.microsoft.com/e/3tu1MpMNXi

The group is also looking for trustworthy tradespeople who would be willing to be interviewed and featured in the magazine. If you are a tradesperson and would like to be involved, please contact Unlimited Potential at info@unlimitedpotential.org.uk

A popular wine bar in the affluent Salford suburb of Worsley has been given the go ahead to play live music late at night. But not everyone is happy. 

The Delph near the Worsley Court House roundabout was brought back to life by owner Phil Campbell when it was converted from offices into a restaurant and wine bar in 2020.

But stringent restrictions were imposed by Salford city council’s planners, preventing live music from being performed beyond the hours of 10pm.

Mr Campbell wanted to stretch the live performance time until midnight, but councillors on the city’s planning and transportation regulator panel have now opted to allow only an extra hour and have stipulated all doors and windows must be closed when the acts are on. It means live music can now be played until 11pm. 

Nine letters of objection were submitted, but 33 others were sent in support. Worsley Coun Robin Garrido pointed out that those in favour were not necessarily people living near to the premises.

In a verbal submission to the panel Mr Campbell said he and joint owner Natalie Robinson had spent ‘hundreds of thousands of pounds’ bringing The Delph building ‘back to its former glory’.

He said that live performances took place only at the weekend and were single or duet ‘acoustic artists’ – not full bands with drums.

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“It’s a meeting place for the local community and for local businesses,” he said. “The [restricted] trading hours are having a major impacting our business financially and on our customer footfall. 

“For everyone to be off the premises at 11pm we have to call last orders at 10.15pm.”

 

He said that there were eight similar businesses within a half-a-mile radius of The Delph, which all have late opening hours. “This is having a massive effect on our business,” he added. 

Objecting to the proposal Councillor Garrido said:

Quote

 

“Can you imagine what noise there would be with 40 people outside on the pavement leaving the place?

“It means the neighbours would need to have their windows closed throughout the summer. We are not objecting to the fact there is a wine bar there, or the existing operating hours. It’s the increased hours that are causing objections.

“There are not 30-plus supporters of this proposal that live within earshot of the wine bar.”

 

Councillors have angrily turned down a telecom firm’s bid to put a 50-foot ‘metal obscenity’ of a mast on a parcel of land near a primary school in the Boothstown area of Salford.

Three UK Ltd’s application also included a wrapround cabinet at the base of the 5G mast, three antennas, and three equipment cabinets and other ‘ancillary equipment’ on the land at Leigh Road, close to its junction with Boothshall Way and a stone’s throw from St Andrew’s CE Primary School.

Members of the city’s planning and transportation regulatory panel have previously voiced their frustration and fury at being unable to prevent telecoms masts being erected in random locations outside homes across the city because of Government legislation.

But having being asked for their consent on this occasion they turned the application down, regardless of officers’ recommendations to approve it.

At a meeting of the panel, Councillor Bob Clarke described the prospect of the mast a ‘50-foot metal obscenity’:

Quote

“It’s next to someone’s house and all the houses around can see it. It’s an obscenity.”

He said he could ‘see no reason’ why the telecoms firm couldn’t extend an alternative mobile mast that is already by the nearby Bridgewater Canal. 

Quote

“I’ve got so many issues with 5G. Every time I go past one of these masts I feel sick. There is nothing that high [50-feet] anywhere else in Boothstown.”

His views were echoed by Councillor John Warmisham, who said:

Quote

 

“These towers are an absolutel blight on an area and they are ruining the street scenes, not just in Salford, but across the whole country. This is scandalous and its being done for financial reasons.

“We are being rushed and ridden over and yet we are here as elected representatives. These poles are an eyesore and the Government needs to look at alternatives.”

 

Councillor Phil Cusack also weighed in saying:

Quote

 

“There is an existing mast not far away [from the application site] that’s not fully covered in antennas. 

“The proliferation of masts from a whole series of providers amounts to nothing other than a national scandal. There needs to be more planning control to prevent these masts being put up willy nilly all over the place.”

 

The panel unanimously turned down the application on the grounds that would negatively impact the amenity of nearby residents.

A Salford councillor has slammed other local authorities in Greater Manchester for ‘not doing enough’ for travelling communities in the city region.

Councillor John Warmisham’s comments came as the city council’s planners agreed to allow five traveller families who have been living and keeping horses on a small site in Swinton since 2016 to continue indefinitely.

He said:

Quote

 

“Over the last 10 years I’ve been working with the gypsy community who are the most discriminated against people in the world.

“The way they’ve been treated is a disgrace. I don’t think Greater Manchester does enough for the travelling community. Too many councils in Greater Manchester don’t have travelling sites.

“If there are service sites available it means family members can come and visit.”

 

The families occupying two caravans and a static mobile home along with two amenity buildings were given permission to remain on the land at Lumns Lane, Clifton in 2016, but for a time-limited period.

In June 2022 the period they are allowed to remain on the land was raised to 10 years, but now that restriction has also been lifted by Salford’s planning and transportation regulatory panel.

Coun Warmisham’s colleague Councillor Wilson Nkurunziza agreed.

He said:

Quote

“Salford is and should be a welcoming city.”

The decision by panel was greeted with cheers from members of the five families who attended the panel meeting.

Photo ©: Google Maps

Last evening Thursday 6th April saw crowds flock to the Cornerstone Gallery on Langworthy Road for the annual open evening of the artists who exhibit under the banner of, From The Art Of Salford, hosted by Tony Easom.

Tony has a refreshing attitude to art and is a keen believer in that any artist in Salford should be allowed to exhibit their work, all they have to do is turn up at Cornerstone with their work a brief resume about themselves and Tony will hang it for you on the gallery wall, simple as that.

19 artists had their work on show last night and it was great to see the different styles and mediums that they have used, oils, charcoals, water colours, collage, chalks, photography etc.

It would be unfair to single out any one artist but Alan Moss and Emily Lee's work caught my eye along with Phillip Westcott, Phil Know, Tony Easom, Michael Billington, Chelsea Entwistle, Adele Kingston, Pamela Pickard and a host of other talented artists.

We spoke to the Clubs Patron, eminent Salford artist Geoffrey Key who told me:

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"I was very impressed with the standard of work on show tonight and it has gone up since last year in my opinion, some very talented artists are exhibiting.

As Patron I have decided that from next year I will be giving a prize of £200 for what I consider to be the best in show, with the money they can buy paints, brushes, canvas what ever they need to help in their artwork"

 

A very generous gesture from a man whose work I have admired for many years and pleased to call a good friend.

The Art of Salford Gallery will be at the Langworthy Cornerstone till June, and is able to be visited Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 8:30pm.

To celebrate its 30-year anniversary, START has created a new exhibition, running at Salford Museum & Art Gallery called People & Portraits of Salford. The exhibition shines a spotlight on the charity and the hard work and dedication of its staff and volunteers, alongside some of the stories and achievements of its many service users past and present.  

START was the UK’s first ‘arts on prescription’ service founded by Bernadette Conlon in 1993 and in 30 years it has helped an estimated 20,000 people across all corners of Salford using creativity, connection and recovery to improve people’s lives.

People & Portraits of Salford is a variety of quality art works using paints, drawing, textiles, mosaic, ceramics, sculpture, print and photography to create individual portraits and large-scale collaborative pieces that bring people together, reflecting the shared experiences of members.

START’s founder Bernadette says:

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‘So many have helped make START a success over the last 30 years. We’re delighted to hold the exhibition at Salford Museum & Art Gallery, with which we have a special bond. The team has supported us over the years and it’s the best venue for these works of art to be appreciated. We were delivering art on prescription before it became a recognised form of therapy; for that we are very proud and we know it works, and the people who have exhibited and been through our services over the years are testament to that.’

Claire Corrin, Exhibitions Manager at Salford Museum & Art Gallery, said:

Quote

‘We are delighted to be working with START to celebrate its 30th anniversary. Salford Museum & Art Gallery has a long history of exhibitions and events that engage local communities, visitors and artists. It is important to us that we continue to support and represent local communities by working in partnership with organisations and artists in Salford and beyond.’

Key members of staff, volunteers and service users and members from over the years are represented in art form in the exhibition, including founder Bernadette Conlon, late caretaker John Ball and one of the longest serving volunteers, Paul Jordan. Most of the works have been created especially for this exhibition by START with additional funding from The Arts Society.

A key piece of the exhibition, John, was painted by Paul Jordan aged 69 from Little Hulton who is START’s longest serving volunteer who went through the service himself. Paul enjoyed art so much through START that he went on went on to gain a first degree in Visual Arts from the University of Salford. He is still a volunteer with START running art sessions and providing extra support and welfare advice to those who need it most.

Many service users have been helped by START which is commissioned through what was Salford CCG and now NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care and turned their lives around, going on to become volunteers, peer mentors, board members, staff and tutors with the charity, which is located just down the road from Salford Museum & Art Gallery at Brunswick House on Broad Street.

A number of ex members have gone onto become artists and poets in their own right, including Salford poet ‘J’ Ahmed who was at the exhibition opening performing two of his poems to more than 300 people and who is a prominent figure in the Greater Manchester mental health landscape.

The exhibition is running until September 24. For more information go to https://salfordmuseum.com/event/start-23

Photos ©: START

We have mentioned Premier genealogist Glenn Kennedy several times on Salford Media and his charity fundraising through his family tree research which has helped several local foodbanks in the past few months.

Last month we went with him to the Swinton Hub as he presented the Community Manager, Candice Fawcett with a whopping £200 for their foodbank and Veterans Lunches.

Today he called in again, this time to present them with 30 Easter Eggs to be given to children as part of their Easter Fun Day om 9th April at Victoria Park, Swinton.

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"I saw their flyer for their Easter Fun Day and so I decided to help out by purchasing some Easter Eggs for them. I had made a few pound extra from my Ancestry Family Tree research and so I thought I would put it to good use as I have seen the good work they do here for local people and children, if it puts a smile on person's face then I am happy"

We warmly applaud Glenn for this kind gesture and for the previous good work he has done by donating his fee for research work to Salford Medias Foodbank Appeal.

So it's only fair to recommend Glenn to you if you want your family tree research doing or need any help with genealogy, he's your man!

Contact Glenn on familyancestry044@gmail.com or via his Facebook page.

Cast your mind back to May 1989 there was a football match being played at Old Trafford, no not Manchester United but they are linked into this story.

Salford Schoolboys are playing the second leg of their match against a robust St Helens schoolboy team in the final of the E.S.F.A Trophy. and who is making his Old Trafford debut, not for Manchester United obviously...a young Ryan Wilson, later to be known world wide as Ryan Giggs and the first Welshman to Captain, England Schoolboys.

We were contacted by John Peters one of the officials at the club who told us that a box of unused programmes for that historic match have turned up in their archives and that the plan is to sell them off with all proceeds going to help establish their Salford Schoolgirls team which I think is a splendid idea.

John gave us some background into the history of the team:

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"After the war in 1947, Salford became the first Schoolboy Association to win the coveted English Schools Trophy beating Leicester Schools by 2-0.

Over 35,000 people attended the game at Old Trafford, Captaining the team on the day was Geoff Bent, who along with Eddie Coleman (his Salford Team mate) unfortunately died in the Munich Air disaster of 1958.

In 1989 the boys found themselves back at Old Trafford in another final against St Helens. Captaining the team on this occasion was Ryan Giggs, a pupil at Moorside High School who was also the England Schoolboy captain at U15s.

We unfortunately lost that game but welcomed back the players from 1947 along with their teacher, Mr Jock Lambert, to Old Trafford.

We had to wait until 2000 to regain our title as English Schools Champions beating Cardiff Schools at Old Trafford once again."

 

These programmes are surely collectors pieces and a must for any fan of Salford, Manchester United or any football fan and they are going on sale for the bargain price of £5 plus £2 post and package.

You can contact John on Facebook or pick up a copy in person for £5 at the next Salford Schoolboy match played in Broughton, failing that contact me at newsdesk@salford.media and we shall pass on your details, so dig deep and help out!

Plans for a £53million apartment block towering 26 storeys have been submitted to Salford city council’s planners.

The application is for 250 flats and 1,000 sq ft of commercial space at the site on Trinity Way and William Street, and will be known as Obsidian when the building is complete in about two-and-a-half years.

The building will comprise 31 studios, 93 one-bed flats, 111 two-bedroom apartments and 15 three bed homes.

Amenities will include a private dining room, gym, cinema room, package store, co-working space and a cafe.

It has been submitted by Euan Kellie Property Solutions on behalf of a joint venture including Salboy and Domis SPV, named Trinity 2.

A viability statement from Tim Claxton Property estimates the construction cost at £53m and is cited as a reason why the plans do not include affordable housing.

If approved, the building will take shape on the site of a current surface-level car park and its access will be from William Street.

In its design and access statement on the Salford city council planning portal, architect Studio Power says the site ‘provides great connectivity to Manchester and its surrounding areas’.

It said:

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“The site is positioned on the edge of the city centre, creating an opportunity to bridge the gap between Salford and Manchester, as well as the opportunity to provide an architectural landmark signalling this gateway.”

Development on the historic site can be traced back to 1791 and the Salford Iron Works. It became one of the largest manufacturers of cast-iron products and stationary steam engines which powered the mills around Manchester.

Following the closure of the ironworks in 1939 and slum clearances in the 1950s, it was replaced by low-rise housing as Manchester and Salford grew in the 1970s and 1980s.

An arson attack which caused at least £25,000 worth of damage at a children’s play area has been condemned by Salford City Council.

The area at Lord Street Park, Cadishead, underwent a £90,000 upgrade in late 2021 with new play equipment including a wheelchair accessible roundabout, swings for children with disabilities or parents and toddlers, a new adventure trail and a safer rubber surface underneath.

The attack happened last night (Tuesday 4 April) and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service attended.

This morning Tony Flynn spoke to Irlam and Cadishead councillor Lewis Nelson and Craig from the Friends of Lordy Park Group about the fire which has seen the play area closed for the foreseeable future.

Police have since confirmed that a juvenile has been arrested for Arson in connection with the fire.

Director of Service Reform at Salford City Council, Debbie Brown said:

Quote

 

“This is heart breaking news for the Friends of Lordy Park and everyone who worked so hard with us to make the park more accessible for children with disabilities. It is an appalling and mindless attack on them and the local community.

“The monkey bars and wooden steps are fire damaged and will have to be removed and several fence panels will have to be replaced. We have had a crew on site this morning clearing up the ash and jet washing the safety surface so we can assess any damage there, but we are very much hoping to have it open for the Easter weekend so the children of Cadishead are not deprived of their much-loved play area through this senseless attack. 

“We will be working with Greater Manchester Police to find those responsible and bring them to justice. I urge anyone who has any information to do the right thing and contact the police or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111, which can be done anonymously.”

Photo ©: Salford City Council

Work has started on site at The Putting Green at Brackley Village, Bellway’s latest development off Manchester Road (A6) in Salford.

Construction is continuing at pace at the new development, which is situated at the former Brackley Golf Club, with the housebuilder on track to deliver 345 new build homes, including apartments, semi-detached homes and detached houses. 

A superb range of two, three and four bedroom properties will be provided, appealing to first-time-buyers, families and those looking to downsize.

There will be two show homes at The Putting Green, both well underway and scheduled to open in the summer.  First occupancy is also planned for summer.

Part of Bellway’s Artisan Collection, the properties at The Putting Green are individually designed, carefully considered, benefit from luxury features and boast superb internal and external specifications, ensuring they provide flexible living space for discerning purchasers and modern lifestyles.

Well located, The Putting Green is just two miles from Walkden which offers excellent everyday amenities and transport links, and it is also close to the M61 motorway with easy access to Bolton, Preston and Manchester.  There are good nurseries, primary schools, secondary schools and college in the locality too.

Grace Yarlett, sales director at Bellway, says:

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“Construction is going well and The Putting Green at Brackley Village is really starting to take shape.  It is a fantastic development with a great selection of two, three and four bedroom homes available.  We are confident it will appeal to homebuyers and demand will be high for the properties.”

In addition to the new development, Bellway has made a significant financial contribution to the locality, totalling £5,295,115.35, which includes:

£2,611,235 towards public open space

A £1,520,880.35 education contribution

£750,000 towards Amblecoats Playing Field and new changing facilities

A £150,000 traffic calming contribution

£100,000 towards the public realm

A £100,000 transport contribution

£38,000 towards bus stop improvements

A £25,000 highways contribution

Prices at The Putting Green start from £293,995.  For further information, please contact Bellway on 0161 516 9136 or visit www.bellway.co.uk. 

The Leaf Bean Pod Cafe, Barton had a surprise visitor today when Neil Halsall who lives in the Millionaires playground of Marin County, California called in for an Full English Breakfast and to sample some of the Cafe's legendary pies.

Neil who hails from Weaste in Salford had been in Valencia, Spain for a friends 50th Birthday party and decided to take a few days out to visit his family and his fathers grave in Peel Green cemetery.

Yesterday he was at the A.J. Bell Stadium to watch Salford Red Devils play Huddersfield Giants, sadly not the result he was hoping for followed by the Newcastle v Manchester United match... Neil your a jinx!

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"I grew up in Kingsford Street Weaste and my father used to take me to The Willows on a Friday evening to watch the Salford A team, then on a Sunday for the First team.

My love of pies stems from my memory of being bought a pie from Rhodes bakery on Liverpool Street after I had finished school at All Souls school, with the burnt gravy on top of the crust, delicious, I dream of them several days before I leave for England.

I had read in Salford Media about the pies sold here and it would be criminal not too try one or possibly two, also a pint of Holts bitter in The Lamb Hotel to round off a perfect day as I fly back tomorrow"

 

We contacted David Hill the owner of Leaf Bean Pod, to tell him about the "Hollywood" visitor, sadly he is recovering at home from his recent hip operation but told us:

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"A pity I am unable to meet Neil but I am certain my staff will have looked after him, but next time Neil is over I shall give him the V,I,P, treatment he is used to and a selection of pies including my Salford Pie as a reminder of his trip to the Cafe"

So if you thought you saw Ryan Reynolds in Eccles today and it's an easy mistake to make, rest easy girls, it was Neil doing a bit of sight seeing,

On becoming the first female CEO at Warrington-based United Utilities, the region’s water service provider, Louise Beardmore pledged to help make the North West stronger, greener and healthier.

Louise, who was born in Liverpool and who lives in the North West, announced today that the water company is planning to bring forward investment to the tune of £914 million with region-wide benefits, reducing spills from storm overflows, creating jobs and boosting the resilience of communities and the local environment. 

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“I am very clear about the responsibilities United Utilities has to deliver great services for customers, to protect and enhance the environment and to ensure we are investing in the infrastructure we need in the region to support future growth and climate change.

“We have an ambitious plan, including the largest investment programme we have ever delivered as we seek to enable a step change in environmental performance right across the region. I know we have much more to do, addressing the things that matter most to our customers and which benefit the region and I am committed to doing that. 

“I am equally passionate about protecting those households who are struggling financially which is why we have sector leading support packages available for those who need help with their water bills. I am keen we strengthen that support as we move forward too.

“I look forward to working with many other organisations and partners across the North West as collaboration is key to the continued success of the place we all call home.”

 

Added Louise:

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“We have a dedicated workforce, proud to be serving the people of this region and I’m excited to get started in my new role because there’s a lot to do.”

The accelerated funding, announced today, is subject to consultation with stakeholders until Monday 24 April. 

The £914 million is broken down into four areas:

•    £719 million for reducing storm overflow spills, helping protect water quality at inland waterways across the North West – including Windermere in the Lake District
•    £117 million for habitat improvements in and around the River Eden in Cumbria
•    £78 million to reduce the frequency of storm overflow spills into bathing waters 
 

Photo ©: Louise Beardmore

A man from Irlam who has sight loss says the roads and pavements in Greater Manchester are so challenging he almost injured himself running – but has vowed to carry on with the hobby he loves.

Gareth Smith, 43, a risk manager, says he initially tried using a cane to help him navigate the paths and roads around the city when he was diagnosed with the genetic condition, retinitis pigmentosa, seven years ago, but almost hurt himself.

He says:

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“A fully sighted runner will keep their head up straight and look forward. I can’t do that. I could miss the ground and trip up. I have to make sure I’m looking down and ahead but there will be some times where I can’t. 

“And because of the pavements around the city, it hasn’t taken long for me to almost spear myself with my cane because it gets caught on raised paving stones.”

 

The father-of-three had a white cane shortly after being diagnosed but was concerned about it making him stand out when he was in public, so didn’t use it straight away.

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“It’s taken me a number of years to get to various levels of acceptance,” Gareth explains. “I guess I had the British stiff upper lip and just got on with it. I spent a long time not asking for help, but just doing things.”

Gareth’s condition mean he has tunnel vision and has diminished night vision, meaning he almost has no sight when it’s dark.

Determined not to let that stop him, he wanted to do something positive during the Covid lockdowns and maintain a healthy lifestyle, with exercise he enjoyed, so he decided to take up running.

On social media, he has posted videos of how those without visual impairments run with a segment showing how he runs with his condition.

Initially, Gareth went running around local streets, footpaths and pavements around central Manchester, where he lives, because he felt safer using these routes as he knew them.

But as he has grown in confidence, he’s begun branching out to do longer routes and more complicated ones. In 2021, he ran his first 13-mile half-marathon at the Greater Manchester Run on behalf of sight loss charity, Henshaws. 

His brother-in-law ran with him for support and help, and now, he’s preparing for the Chester Marathon, set to take place in October, and is excited about the event, which he’s also doing to raise money for Henshaws. Family and friends will be there to cheer him on.

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“I’ve started training for it already to give it sufficient time,” he says. “I’m not worried about the distance. My aim is to complete it without having to stop or walk.”

Gareth says those with disabilities should consider running as a hobby, and he urged those thinking about it to do what’s ‘best for you’.

He says:

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“One thing I have tried to promote is there is always something you can do to be physically healthy. For me, it’s remembering not to let your disability stop you. Don’t let your disability put you off.”

And he wants politicians and lawmakers to think about those with visual impairments when it comes to safety on our streets, roads and pavements.

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“I would encourage those to use vision simulator, such as simulation glasses,”

he says.

“I have a handful of glasses which will show you different levels of visual impairment. Spend a little time in that environment. Understand what it is like to have a visual impairment.”

Stephen Tongue, Director of Fundraising at Henshaws, says:

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“We are thrilled to have Gareth supporting our charity. His efforts have already raised much-welcomed money and we can’t wait to see how he gets on at the Chester Marathon later this year.”

You can donate to Gareth’s fundraising efforts on his JustGiving page. To find out more about Henshaws visit their website.

A new strategy titled – Homelessness is everyone’s business has been approved by Salford City Council.

The new five year strategy was approved at the council’s Cabinet meeting on Tuesday 28 March.

The main aim of the new strategy, is that homelessness is prevented, whenever possible through new and unique ways. 

The council has stated there is a much stronger role for partner organisations and wider services in the early identification and engagement with those at risk of having no home.

In addition, the council has put a plan together to tackle ensuring that information and advice for those concerned about their housing is more accessible and easy to understand. This is an important priority within the strategy, including addressing the barriers to accessing that information by minority groups.

To develop the strategy the council worked with those who have experienced homelessness as well as partners, professionals, wider services and members of the public.  

Chief Executive Tom Stannard from Salford City Council said: 

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“In Salford we want the need for rough sleeping to be totally eradicated. But that is a very difficult challenge, and more than ever so in the current economic climate.

“We want earlier identification of those who are at risk, so we can step in and help out. That is why the report is titled ‘Homelessness is everyone’s business’ – so partner agencies, wider services or members of the public can point out those who are most in need.

“Our Housing options team are now working to provide a much more prevention focussed way of working and they are pointing people to other council services to get support and advice. For example residents can get support with emergency assistance, council tax support, essential food provision – there are lots of areas where we can help.”

 

People can get support and help at: Support with the Cost of Living • Salford City Council